Grease?

[shobiz]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 4:13pm

Hi everyone, I know that Grease is not one of the favorite shows on this board, but I was wondering if anyone had insider information on how long it will run. I know Ace Young is contracted into January, does this mean it will run until then, or longer? How long are Ashley Spencer and Derek Keeling going to star in it? Has anybody been to the show with them in it, and did you also see Laura and Max? I know there's been a lot of cast changes. It's hard to get info on this, it seemed more popular last year, but maybe it's because it was still new, and it was coming off the popularity of the reality show. Thank you!

[winston89]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 4:19pm

Despite it not being a popular show on this forum, it isn't doing that well in the box office. Keep in mind one thing, that tourists like seeing things that they know. They know Grease, they know Poppins and the other Disney shows. So, people are seeing Grease despite it not being that good a production. Personally, I do like Grease, However, I do think that this production leaves a whole lot to be desired.

[That Girl]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 7:58pm

I've heard that Ashley and Derek have six month contracts. I think they started in July so their contracts should be up around January. I haven't heard anything about their contracts being renewed or if TPTB are planning on bringing someone else in. Even though the numbers are down from last year, it's still doing pretty well so I would imagine it wouldn't close-not that I have any insider information, it's just my opinion.

[shobiz]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 8:47pm

Thank you Winston and That Girl! If anyone has any more opinions on how Grease is doing - profits, audience feedback, or your own review, I'd love to know. Personally, I didn't think the musical was that great, but I love hearing the music in person. I grew up watching the movie, and listening to the soundtrack with Olivia's and John's interpretations. I know the musical is written differently than the movie, and that it was written first, but I'm glad some of the songs from the movie are included. I was a bit surprised that Sandy isn't in the show as much as I'd thought a "lead" would be, and as much as it seems she is in the movie. Also, I know the "message" isn't that great! I would have liked it to have a "bonding" scene with Rizzo and Sandy to show that they actually became friends, but I know I'm being picky!
Updated On: 11/2/08 at 08:47 PM

[winston89]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 9:55pm

Shobiz, let me give you a word of advice. Don't refer to a musical as a play. People on here (including myself) would jump to correct you. A play is generally something that is just acting, whereas a musical is singing dancing acting etc. If you want to call it a show, then both plays and musicals fall under that category.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 9:59pm

But a musical is a play.

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 10:14pm

A musical IS a play.

A play (without music) is a STRAIGHT play.

[shobiz]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 10:26pm

Thank you Winston89, duly noted and corrected! As you can see, I'm new here, although I have gone to see several Broadway musicals. Thanks for your interest in this thread, and again I welcome everyone's input regarding Grease on Broadway! I'd love to hear about anyone's personal experience in seeing the show, how it was last year, and how it is now with the cast changes as well as some changes in the show. Or if anyone has met the cast. I have the cast recording from last year, and I really like it. When the leads change, do productions generally change the merchandise that they sell at the show, or will it still be souvenirs related to the winners of the reality show - Max and Laura?

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

Posted: 11/2/08 at 10:29pm

Why are you thanking Winston?

He gave incorrect advice...

A musical IS a play.

A play, with only dialouge, is a STRAIGHT play.

[tintoy]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 2:11am

I saw the show 3 times. Twice last year with Laura and Max, and last month with the new leads. I can honestly tell you that I liked L & M much better. The voices were better, the energy were fresher. It was also my very first Broadway show, so it was rather magical, and the memory could never be replaced with anything else. For the current cast, I was surprised and impressed with Ace Young. His fans would be proud.
Now that I've seen many other Bway shows, I can understand why Grease was ripped to pieces by the critics. Still, you need to give credit where credit is due, and there are some very talented people up on that stage, and they did work very hard to get themselves there. I hope the show doesn't close too soon. Why wish for people to lose their jobs?!

[NewYorkStage]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 10:40am

Go see the show! Current cast is great! You won't be disappointed! Very fun...with tons of energy! The show is selling well and should be around for quite some time!

[BroadwayLover5]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 4:12pm

Saw the show last month and thought it was very good. Would recommend it, especially if you liked the movie. It's a feel-good show with familiar songs. Very enjoyable.

[alterego]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 6:58pm

I'd like to see the GREASE that was presented back in 1972. It was gritty, nasty and edgy. These days the GREASE we see is way too sanitised, it is a sort of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL version.

[shobiz]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 7:08pm

Thanks to all who have posted here! For those of you who like to visit youtube, there are 4 videos posted under the name "tyemyeshue". They are Ashley and Derek's performances of "Summer Nights", "Hopelessly Devoted", "Sandy", and "You're the One That I Want", but only the audio. They're the only ones I've seen of them singing from a live perfomance of Grease. There are so many of Max and Laura, so it's fun to hear the show as it is currently.

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 7:16pm

You won't be disappointed!

???

[KathyGriffinLovesYou]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 7:37pm

HATE Grease with every fiber of my being. My friend is paying me in chocolate to go see a local production of it.

John Travolata is dead to me.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 11/5/08 at 5:57pm

Sheesh KathyGriffin, you need to find better outlets for your emotions if hate a show with every fiber of your being. Try venting it on the Talaban or Fidel or lima beans even.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 11/5/08 at 5:57pm

double post

Updated On: 11/5/08 at 05:57 PM

[ClioKira31]

Posted: 11/5/08 at 6:34pm

I have also seen the show. To be honest, it definitly was not my favorite. Laaura and Max were both incredibly over the top, and Max lacked the "dominent" quality that I feel Danny should have possesed. I was also really suprised by the lack of coreography, becuase Grease obviously has oppertune moments for that

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 11/5/08 at 6:57pm

Cliokira31: I enjoyed Grease. I did not enjoy all the errors in your post, please proofread what you write.

You joined today to make this post?

[That Girl]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 8:09am

Cliokira31: I enjoyed Grease. I did not enjoy all the errors in your post, please proofread what you write.

You joined today to make this post?

That does seem strange, doesn't it?

[??]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 12:29pm

Hi Shobiz,

I am one of the most ardent supporters of Grease here on this board, and I'm not one of the literally quite crazy Ashley Spencer fans that stalk around.

That being said, Grease is Grease. As long as you know what you're getting into, you'll be fine. The show is a lot of fun, a lot of energy, and it's really a good time. I'll never claim it to be the be all and end all of broadway shows, but I love it.

I don't like to badmouth anyone's performance, but I will say I really enjoyed Max and Laura's performances. The chemistry between those two was sparkling, probably helped by the fact they became friends during the auditions for the show. Some people do prefer Derek and Ashley, and that's great. I'll let you make up your mind.

Ace Young is a really great Kenickie. What I enjoy most is that he doesn't play the 'star quality' or the draw. He is just a regular member of the cast, and he blends in nicely when the focus isn't on him. At the same time, when it's time for him to shine, ie: Greased Lightning, he really gives it his all. He is great.

Other performances that are great. Jose Restrapo as Sonny is hilarious, but I heard he had an accident and is out for awhile, I hope you get to see him. Lindsey Mendez is an amazing Jan and Jamison Scott makes the most out of what he's got as Eugene, I wish he had more to do actually.

The show is somewhat different from what it was when it opened. Choreography, solo's, group numbers, blocking, comedic moments have all been changd - most of them for the better. It seems to constantly be adding a little bit here and there.

I would strongly suggest you see it, and just enjoy it for what it is. If possible, I would catch a weekend show as the energy seems a little low on the slower nights, as I suspect it is with many shows.

And by all means, please come and post your review.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 12:36pm

Jose turned his knee doing the "baseball slide" part of the "Greased Lightenin" number. He had surgery and will be back, I think, around Christmas. In fact, the "baseball slide" is how Daniel Everidge tore his ACL earlier this year and how Max Crumm hurt his ankle last year. Derek Keeling was once heard saying that they lose a cast member a week to the "baseball slide" and it has finally been removed from the show. But the transition seems a bit awkward. They still run as if they're going to slide and then just stop and move into the next dance move. I think there's a way to make it more fluid.

Edited to answer this question:

"When the leads change, do productions generally change the merchandise that they sell at the show, or will it still be souvenirs related to the winners of the reality show - Max and Laura?"

Still Max and Laura. Generally, shows don't change the merchandise when new people join the cast. When Taylor Hicks was Teen Angel they were selling some of his CDs and Tee-Shirts at the theatre. But they weren't "Grease" shirts - just the ones you would get at any TH concert. And now that Ace is with the cast they're selling his CD. But there is no merchendise available to purchase with Derek and Ashley on it. And it's likely to remain that way. Their contracts are up in January (who knows if they'll be renewed). What producer in their right mind would role out merchandise that he could only sell for two more months?

Updated On: 11/6/08 at 12:36 PM

[BroadwayLover5]

Posted: 11/6/08 at 6:57pm

People should consider reevaluating how they judge people on their spelling and grammar. You have no idea what condition the person is in whom you are talking to. Someone could have a disability, such a physical handicap or dyslexia. No one should be so judgmental.